Carmine Jewel Cherry vs Spicebush - TreeTime.ca

Carmine Jewel Cherry vs Spicebush

Prunus x kerrasis Carmine Jewel

Lindera benzoin

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Carmine Jewel Cherry
Spicebush

Carmine Jewel Cherry is a cold-hardy dwarf sour cherry. It is typically highly productive and one of the first varieties to ripen in summer. It produces deep red, tart fruit that are well-suited for fresh eating, baking, and preserves. In the spring, beautiful white flowers cover the branches, adding ornamental value.

Carmine Jewel Cherry was developed at the University of Saskatchewan. It is recommended to grow dwarf sour cherries as a shrub rather than a small tree. The shrub form tends to bear fruit earlier and is less susceptible to winterkill.

Sour cherries are self-fertile; however, planting with additional varieties for cross-pollination can increase yields.

The Spicebush is an unique ornamental shrub that blooms with vibrant yellow flowers and bright green foliage. The foliage goes from green to yellow in the autumn, adding fall interest to your garden.The plant is dioecious, meaning that you will need male and female plants in order to harvest it’s red berries. Berries are only produced on female plants. The berries themselves aren’t that sweet, and are mostly enjoyed by birds and other wildlife.

The Spicebush, also commonly known as Common Spicebush, Northern Spicebush, Wild Allspice, and Benjamin Bush, is named after its distinctive spicy-sweet fragrance that comes from the flowers.

Carmine Jewel Cherry Quick Facts

Spicebush Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 4a
Height: 2.0 m (7 ft)
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: any
Moisture: normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: slow
Life span: medium
Life span: medium
Suckering: low
Suckering: medium


Foliage: fragrant
Fall colour: orange
Flowers: white
Flowers: greenish yellow
Berries: large dark purple cherries
Berries: red
Fruit size: 3.5g
Flavor: tart - best for pies and jams
Harvest: late July to early August
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: ON
Other Names: benjamin bush, common spicebush, northern spicebush, wild allspice